Meet the nature inspired Footwear Designer Elizabeth Dunn

Elizabeth Dunn is a London-based shoe designer with a passion in making traditional English shoemaking contemporary. She trained at Cordwainers – London College of Fashion specializing in BA Honors Footwear. Having Grown up in rural North Yorkshire, nature has always been a huge inspiration gaining ideas from aspects and incidents throughout exploring, femininity, androgyny and any unusual topics, her ranges are solid, innovative, beautiful, and full of contrasts, with dramatic silhouettes.

Can you tell me a little bit about your latest collection and the inspiration behind it?

The Autumn Winter 2011 collection is composed of six designs inspired from the results found within the elements and the earth, ranging from gusts of nature to ingenious erosions. Extracting unrefined elements, almost raw materials, to construct a quality product. Building alliances between roughness and refinement with raw and natural aspects. The colour scheme consists of deep, earthy colours, unblocking the resistances between rawness and glamour.

How did you get into designing Shoes?
I started out in Womenswear and then perfectly fell into Footwear design and I have been doing it ever since. I did a BA Honours in Footwear at Cordwainers College at London College of Fashion. Where I received a thorough technical knowledge in footwear design and production.

It was your first time showcasing at Fashion Mavericks, how did you find it?
This has been such a great accomplishment for myself, to have the opportunity to showcase my Autumn Winter collection, only 2 months after graduating from university,  I was scouted for this and it was such a great opportunity, I was over the moon and really enjoyed every minuet of it. Meeting new people from all over the fashion industry.

What is exciting you right now about fashion?
Lots of new and exciting designers are about these days, being part of the new generation of designers especially in footwear. As for designing myself I try not to follow trends when designing my collections I prefer to produce more classic items that won’t go in and out of fashion. But as ever, I do get inspired from current trends and fashion forecasting’s.

Are you preparing for a new collection anytime soon?
I am currently making a side collection on shoe pieces/attachments, which is very exciting, using a whole range of different materials and techniques; this will be going on sale soon.  I am also designing my next Autumn Winter Collection for 2011-12. As well as interning for a footwear designer, helping me get the experience and knowledge I need to move further in my career.

Which fashion designers have been the most important points of reference for you?
I always really find this question really hard to answer, as my inspiration is always changing. My favourite designer of the moment is Charlotte Olympia – footwear designer, her designs are so feminine, sexy and beautiful. Really love her approach to design. Another modern designer I love is Ziad Ghanem, his alternative approach to fashion design is really attractive and inspirational; he provides a show not just a collection. I would love to work with either, one day in my career.

What do you see as the main goal for your fashion label?
I believe that by taking influences from many different areas of the creative world gives me a well rounded thought process and helps me to generate ideas portraying the correct image for Elizabeth Dunn shoes. I try not to promote throwaway fashion, preferring to build in a manner that achieves longevity and sustainability into my products. I use the best quality materials available, and avoid one season styling. Therefore creating a label that oozes Quality and Style with Added value to purchase through the detailing, the colours, surface detail and unique styles and shapes, allowing the chance to own some shoes that make you feel special. Classic styles are ever inspirational in my designs but with atoning modern twists, creating unusual footwear. “To me, designing shoes is an ever-changing art, in terms of trends and new technologies.

If you weren't a fashion designer, what job would you be doing?
If I wasn’t in the fashion industry I would be defiantly be doing something creative, whether it would be illustration, drawing or something practical. Also I love working with children, which could have been a possible career choice for myself.

Anya Wilkinson Presents Floaty & Structured pieces

Featured Glasses by Nicola K Williams

A Perfectly Matched Pair- Milliner & Accessories Designer Sally-Ann Provan with Women's Wear Designer Sara Shimasue

DAY TWO IN PICTURES

DAY ONE IN PICTURES

Showing tomorrow Sara Shimasue

Sara Shimasue

Sara Shimasue is a Swedish born designer set to wow spectators on Fashion Week this September with her beautiful and unique designs from her Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Raised by a Japanese father and Swedish mother in Stockholm, it was only upon moving to London that she realised her true calling as a fashion designer, leading her to study at London College of Fashion where she received a First Class Honours degree.

Following her graduation, Sara has been nominated as ‘The Next Big Thing’ in a competition launched by Westfield Studio East. Alongside this she has worked with designers such as Mini Market, Jens Laugensen and Fashion Fringe winner Eun Jeong. Sara has also realised her dream and launched her own women’s wear label which creates distinctive, well-made and strong yet feminine designs which have an overall goal of creating a mood as opposed to simply interpreting direct influences.

I caught up with Sara Shimasue at the Fashion Mavericks event prior to the showcase of her Spring/Summer Collection. With a fascinating story of events that led this designer to enter into the world of fashion; it is evident that Sara has a raw talent and passion combined with a subtle edginess that sets her apart from other designers.

Can you tell me a little bit about what you will be showcasing on Fashion Week and the inspiration behind it?

I will be showing my Spring/Summer 2011 collection. This collection is inspired by the idea of spending time in a foreign country during the summer in the countryside, where everything is unfamiliar. It focuses on the idea of time passing and how this makes things beautiful, in particular looking towards inspirations from moths and rust.

How did you decide to become a fashion designer?

It was actually quite a long process. My father was an artist and throughout my upbringing I watched him struggle to get by. Therefore, despite the fact that I was also a very artistic person I thought perhaps it was not the right path for me as I wanted to make money. I had various jobs over the years working in shops and in television; however I felt that there was always something missing.  I have always sewn and drawn throughout my life and I have always loved fashion, so it seemed as though everything just fell into place. I realised that I have a real talent and eye for fashion design.

What do you think sets you apart from other designers?

I’d say that I don’t really follow trends as such. I like to create my own stories and concepts and I really experiment a lot. I feel I have very unique ideas that really make me stand out.

Why did you decide to collaborate with Sally-Ann Provan for the showcase of your collection?

Sally and I were both showing at the Fashion Mavericks event last season and we both instantly liked each other’s work. We use very similar techniques and colours, therefore we thought that if we worked together we would really complement each other and it would be a good show.

Describe the type of person who would wear your clothes

She would be strong and confident. She would like a slight edginess; however she would admire the wear-ability of my designs as they are not too over the top.

After showcasing with Fashion Mavericks during Fashion Week in February, why did you decide to return again this September?

The location is great! Alongside this, the fact that Sally and I had wanted to do something together. Thus, the Fashion Mavericks event seemed the perfect place to do this.

What are your future plans for your label?

I would really like to expand my line and get more stock. I would like to have more unisex pieces and eventually have a menswear line.  In future I would like to do a diffusion line, and eventually open a flag ship store.

I find this designer with utterly captivating sense of quirkiness, raw talent and passion which coincides with her outstandingly beautiful garments. Therefore comes as no surprise that her collection was incredibly well received at the Fashion Mavericks event this September.

Meet the team behind Point 5

Teresa Cruz de Almeida is a Portuguese designer who specialises in menswear.  Alongside a fantastic and talented team, including her shoe designer Caterina Belluardo and make-up artist Jose Pedro Mota she really pushes the boundaries of how we understand and view menswear with her incredibly quirky and original designs and ideas. With a belief that there are no limits to the imagination she approaches her ‘Point 5 Collection’ together with an inspiration for simple forms and primary colour tones.

As I enter her studio on a rather chilly Wednesday afternoon I am met by a team of very tired yet excitable faces, bursting with enthusiasm about their collaboration for the up and coming event. Flourishing with pride I am presented with various shoes that are to be worn by the male models at the showcase, one of which is an incredible pair of brown leather high-heeled boots, which I am so excited and intrigued to witness her models strut about in on Friday! Alongside this are two pairs of sandals which are so unique and incomparable to anything I’ve seen before and I feel a strong sense of passion and inspiration as I witness the perfect shapes and unique finishing details that each sandal has to offer.

As I begin talking to TCA and her team, a tale of hard work, energy and friendship unfolds before me and it is evident that this designer is truly passionate about her work and is unafraid to be different!

Can you tell me a bit about yourself and how you got into fashion?

It all started when I was younger. My grandmother was a tailor and did suits for men. I would spend every day with her and she would always be teaching me new things, so I would constantly be learning from her. I think it is very important having someone you love to inspire you and help you to move forward in a certain direction. It was these first moments spent with my grandma when I really first thought, I love this and I could really do this for myself.

Can you tell about what you will be showcasing on fashion week this September?

My collection is only for men. The look of the collection has a very sixties feel to it and it is aimed at the very polished man. It is for the type of man who wants to look very cool and it is for a very strong character that is not afraid to stand out, especially considering that the collection is definitely not something that everyone is going to wear!

What is the inspiration for your designs?

The inspiration behind this collection was drawn from looking up past styles. In particular I looked at clothing from around 800 years ago with the idea of men wearing corsets and pants. I really wanted to try and simplify this and make it much more modern. I really like to make a point with my designs and my collection and it is incredibly unique.

How did you develop an interest in menswear?

It began as a mistake really! I was originally supposed to do womenswear! When I was trying to get into fashion school, I could not afford it at the time so I had to apply for a scholarship. I ended up being the last student accepted for the scholarship and by that time there were no more vacancies to study womenswear, leaving my only option to study menswear.

However, this turned out to be very positive for me and as I began studying the bones, muscles and structure of a man, I began to have a very different take on the male body and I absolutely fell in love with it! Menswear is so much more challenging...and I love challenges!

What do you think makes you stand out from other designers?

I love to stand out and I’m not afraid to be different. I feel like I am getting older now and I really have nothing to lose. I’m very set on having my own ideas and I love playing about with different designs and light forms. I have so many future plans which I am so excited about and for my next collection I really wish to experiment with different fabrics and achieve many more designs.

Where do you hope to see yourself in five years time?

I want to be recognised as a proper artist and respected and known for my originality as a designer. I want people to be able to look at my designers and be able to say, ‘This is Teresa...and this is weird!’

What are you most looking forward to about the showcase of your collection at the Fashion Mavericks event this Friday?

I’m looking forward to everything! It is like being pregnant for six months with twins and Friday is the day that I’m going to give birth! When I see my babies, I’m going to be so proud! My babies are going to be so funky!

This is really the first showcase I have ever done, so I’m very excited! In Portugal once I had finished school there was really no help or guidance as a designer. Coming to London has offered so many possible opportunities for me, as people are so much more helpful in guiding you in the right direction. I am so grateful for this chance to present my work at the event.

What matters to you most as a designer?

Being original is so important and ensuring that you don’t ever copy write. It is essential that you make sure you have your own thoughts in your mind and stick to the ideas that you have as opposed to taking them from anybody else. Alongside this, I think it is really important to ensure that in whatever you do you have a polished finish.

Caterina Belluardo

Tell me a bit about your experience working with Teresa

Well, for me, it was more of a 2 month pregnancy! We are both incredibly passionate and serious about this, so we both connect so well! We have the ability to make mistakes and learn from them which I think is very important as a designer in helping you grow together.  Teresa is not just in this for her, even though she is the designer. She really includes us and recognises how hard we work as opposed to trying to claim all the glory

How have you found creating shoes for men?

It has been very challenging for me as I have always made women’s shoes, however I’ve enjoyed doing this so much as it is so quirky and different! I think that this almost goes beyond menswear and I’ve really learned so much and its really broken down a lot of boundaries for me.

I feel so happy with the final result, however I wish there was more time as I am such a perfectionist. I almost view this as the prototype as opposed to being the final result!

Jose Pedro Mota

TCA: My make up designer really knows me and knows exactly how to translate what I want. Jose will really fight for my interests. He is incredibly talented and has worked on many different movies and has also worked several times on Lisbon Fashion Week. Therefore, he knows exactly how to work under pressure and is incredibly good with timing.

Can you tell me a bit about the make-up and the kind of look you were trying to achieve?

Jose: The make-up is inspired by the sixties particularly by pop art. It aims to create a harmony so as not to steal the show away from the designs. The make-up will aim to create a shiny and almost crystal like look to it and there will be small imprints on the models face from pop art!

The hair will have an Elvis look to it, in which it will be very neat and then have a large curl which will include the use of extensions.

TCA: I am lucky to have such a good team and assistants around me. In particular I want to thank Jacqueline for giving me this opportunity to work on Fashion Week and to all the friends that I am so lucky to have around me.

With a wild and creative flare met by an exceptionally gracious and determined team working alongside her, Teresa really strives for originality with her work and it is evident that she is definitely not just another menswear designer!  I am in utter suspense to witness her collection at the Fashion Mavericks event this week and I consider TCA men’s couture to be a key showcase to watch this September. 

Cleopatra the Muse

Ekaterina Kukhareva is a beautiful young designer set to transform our comprehension of knitwear and the endless possibilities it has to offer. Originally from Ukraine, she is now based in London following her graduation from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design where she fulfilled a degree in Textiles. Whilst at the college she focused her efforts upon knitwear, with a fascination for experimenting with different knitwear techniques and combinations.

Following her graduation two years ago, she carried out various internships which led her to pursue her dreams of creating her own collection and therefore began working upon her own designs.

I met with Ekaterina today to discuss in detail her creative journey as a designer thus far. With a well earned sense of pride, she discussed with me her latest collection which drew inspiration from the mythological theme of Egypt and the ancient Queen Cleopatra. This collection was the result of a long and carefully thought out process made entirely from scratch. From sourcing her yarn from all around the world right down to the final touches; this designer ensures that each beautiful creation is nothing less than perfect.

Tell me a bit about yourself and your background.

I’m originally from Ukraine but I lived in London for eight years and also lived in Denmark for a few years. I think I have experienced a good mixture of different cultures which I feel have really influenced me as a designer and I have always managed to take something from all these different surroundings.

When I came to London I studied at Central Saint Martins and I graduated two years ago. Since then I have carried out various internships. Following this I decided to do my own collection and design my own things which is ultimately what I had always wanted to do

When I was younger I had only ever envisioned designing clothes as a hobby and as a small child I would often spend my time doing drawings of women in dresses. I had originally wanted to do economics, however when I began studying economics and business studies I realised it wasn’t for me. Therefore, I realised that instead of doing economics and business studies as my parents had wanted me to, I would rather do something I enjoy. Therefore, I went to go and study art and fashion, which then led me to specialise in textiles.

What is the inspiration behind your designs?

The inspiration behind my latest collection was the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. This collection was actually my graduation collection which I decided to take further. I began the research for my designs looking at the mummification of the body and I spent a lot of time at the British National Museum. I found it fascinating the way in which some of the mummies were wrapped! When people had originally un-wrapped the mummies to see what was inside, they were never able to be rewrapped in the same manner again. Therefore, they just left them wrapped around randomly in the museum. This is basically where I drew inspiration for my designs.

What is your design philosophy?

My designs are for a strong woman. I like to create luxury garments which would be high end luxury for special occasions not just for everyday use. This is due to all my designs being made by hand from scratch. I design for a woman is who is very powerful, very fashionable and has a strong character.

Can you describe to me the general process you to through to design and realize a piece of clothing?

I begin by looking for inspiration for my designs and doing relevant research. I then go on to pick my colour palette and source the yarn, figuring out which techniques match and which techniques to use. Following on from this I would begin to design, which is sometimes done by simply placing fabric on the mannequin and just playing about with different ideas. However, I usually begin by drawing first before I figure out what kind of techniques I’m going to use for the fabric. Finally, once this is all done it is then just down to the finishing details, such as sewing on stones which actually tend to take the longest. In this collection I used lots of macramé which I had to attach to the garments. It was particularly difficult to work out to attach the macramé as it is quite chunky and I wanted to ensure that it looked neat and tidy and ultimately beautiful.

How long does it usually take you to construct a piece?

It takes about seven days in total. The first two days are usually spent making the fabric; however it very much depends on the structure of the fabric as some take longer to set up than others.

What is about knitwear that particularly appealed to you?

I think there are so many endless possibilities with knitwear as there are so many different techniques you can use. You can even make your own yarn, which is actually something I did with some of my garments.

Do you think your designs are reflective of your own personal style?

I think my work is definitely reflective of my own style. I create exactly what I would wear, which I think is important.

When are you happiest?

When I’m all finished! There is so much preparation that goes into my designs which all comes down to about ten minutes of the show!

Why did you decide to showcase with Fashion Mavericks?

I thought it would be an amazing opportunity for me as a designer. I think the whole concept of the event is great as she is giving new designers the chance to present on London Fashion Week, which is not something that is offered by many companies. When Jacqueline contacted me I was actually in the process of doing my collection and I was thinking of trying to look for somewhere to present my clothes, so I was very lucky to have her approach me. I have only ever presented my collection at college so to present at a fashion show will be a very different experience!

I’m now really thinking about the next step for my designs. I want to figure out how I’m going to reproduce my designs in large quantities as they are mostly handmade, which is very time consuming!

With her own signature style and inspiration drawn from her Russian roots and extensive research of world history, Ekaterina Kukhareva really stands out for the quality and deep sense of imagination of her designs. With a Spring/Summer 2011 collection set to leave the audience absolutely captivated by her luxurious garments at its showcase this September, Ekaterina will truly demonstrate the ability of knitwear in creating timeless and elegant designs which have the ability to allow the modern woman to feel sexy, powerful and fashionable.

For your Eyes Only.....Meet Nicola K Williams

Nicola Williams is a talented young designer who recently graduated from Middlesex University where she studied to become an innovative and creative jewellery designer. It was during this time that she began to recognise her true calling in the path of eyewear which was a path she stumbled upon whilst taking a year out for work experience. This included working with jewellery designers Husam El Odeh and Scott Wilson aiding them in the production of their seasonal collections and one off pieces for press and catwalks. Working with these designers seemingly fuelled the inspiration needed for Nicola to begin working on her own designs and it is evident from viewing some of her work that Nicola offers a unique and innovative representation of the way we view eyewear.

As I spoke with her today, she began explaining to me her some of the ideas behind her latest collection and it appears that this is just the beginning of a whole range of quirky and original future collections from this designer.

Can you tell me a little bit about your latest collection and the inspiration behind it?

I have recently graduated from a fashion design course in which during my final year I specialised in sunglasses and eyewear. Therefore, I will basically be showing my graduation collection, which consists of six designs. There is a lot of use of leather in my designs, in which I play about with functionality with the ability to wear them on your head and eyes.

I get a lot of inspiration through browsing around charity shops in which I found a pair of aviator goggles which in turn I used to inspire my designs. I loved the use of leather in the goggles and began experimenting to try and turn this into a more modern piece to bring to the catwalk.

How did you get into designing eyewear?

I have come from a jewellery background, and I did my third year work experience in fashion jewellery.  Whilst doing this I began to really branch out into other accessories and I began working on eyewear.

I have always loved and collected sunglasses, really enjoying the way they can be used to play about with silhouettes of the face. Therefore, this led me to focus mainly on eyewear.

What has been your proudest moment as a designer?

Having very recently graduated I feel very proud of what I have already achieved, in particular in receiving a First for my degree. This collection has taken a lot of research and hard work so it’s great to see it all come together.  However, considering I have only just graduated I hope I have a lot more achievements to come.

What is exciting you right now about fashion?

I think it would have to be the vast development of eyewear and how it is being used. It really is becoming much more widely accepted. I’m finding it really exciting the way in which people are really pushing the boundaries of eyewear right now!

Are there any pieces from your collection that you are particularly fond or proud of?

I think my favourite piece would have to be the cream pair of glasses which include the popper detail. This was inspired through looking at the way in which leather is used in cases and incorporating this into eyewear. I love the colour use of the mauve lenses against the leather!

Which fashion designers have been the most important points of reference for you?

I would have to say Husam El Odeh! I love the way in which he uses structure and architecture in his work. I did some work experience pieces for him and I love the way he really pushes boundaries with his work, leaving you wondering whether it is eyewear or not.

What do you see as the main goal for your fashion label?

To be recognised as having signature pieces with my designs. Also, I would love the opportunity for mass production of my work; however I would want to ensure that I didn’t lose my recognition and respect as a designer for it!

If you weren’t a fashion designer, what job would you be doing?

There are two career choices I have ever considered doing if I was not a fashion designer. The first possibility was looking at a career in Interior design. In contrast, and slightly more obscure, the other option I have considered was to become a marine biologist. This was inspired by a trip to Sea World when I was younger!

Bursting with originality and energy; it seems that Nicola Williams will offer an outstanding and exciting collection at the Fashion Mavericks event this September, with designs set to change our conceptions of the way we accessorize our eyes. 

'...there are no limits to the imagination, perfection in turn cannot be achieved'

For many centuries human beings have attached great importance to their clothing, primarily for practical functions. As intellectual capacities developed, another type of function came into being, both decorative and as physical embellishment, which played a major part in great civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome and so on. 

This included the organization of public spectacles at which the Gods and Goddesses were displayed and adored, the symbol of sacred beauty and fertility.

TCA believes there are no limits to the imagination, perfection in turn cannot be achieved; but yet we may still strive to attain it. So TCA's design mantra is to strive to find the limit, based on textile fabrics which fire the imagination.

TCA’s collection has been inspired by simple forms and primary colour tones.

Starting the collection for men she has two basic elements, day and night.  

One has light tones, where whites predominate interspersed with clear, pure colours, with knits of one cut inspired by the revivalist lines of the 18^th centaury. With the other, night, golds predominate. Warm colours with chestnut browns for the man who likes feeling smart and knows how to bring out his personality by doing it.

The collection has one basic element only, but with contemporary lines based on high quality fabrics, with colours ranging from bright and warm to very dark browns.

The print also forms part of the silhouette, created with men in mind, the kind of man who after a long day at work wants to feel strong and attractive in a truly original way.

TCA Mens Couture can be viewed on Friday at 3.30pm

Neurosis Fashionably Defined

The first designer showcasing at Fashion Mavericks this Friday is Indonesian born designer Rinda Salmun, a recent Masters Graduate from Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. Her objective as a designer is 'to create wearable artwork'.

This Season, Rinda Salmun will present her Spring/Summer 2011 collection, NEUROSIS inspired by the 'science of dream' and the surrealistic view of how the human brain and its sensory system behave.
The fabric prints for this dramatic collection are based on the brain-cell shapes and surreal plant shapes printed on a combination of different materials from jersey cotton, silk georgette, silk, nylon plus other varieties to create an edgy everyday look.

Check out Louise Hunt's Interview with the designer below.

Rinda Salmun is an Indonesian born designer, who is now based in London. Despite the fact that she originally completed a bachelor degree in fine art, she went on to complete an MA in Fashion at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication and so her impressive career in fashion began.

In spite of still being young, this talented designer already has some impressive internship’s under her belt and since graduating she has worked for Natasha Stolle, Giles Deacon, Giorgio Armani as well as various prominent Indonesian fashion designers. Alongside this, her work was chosen and displayed at major worldwide events such as the Bali Fashion Week in Bali, Ringastrassen Galleria Award in Vienna alongside being featured in various magazines in both the UK and Indonesia.

I met with this talented young designer today in London to discuss her incredibly bright future in the fashion industry, her latest collection and the up and coming showcase of her work on fashion week. As we meet and she hands me her ‘look-book’ I am immediately captivated and intrigued alongside being filled with a complete comprehension as to what all the fuss is about. Mesmerized by the almost eerie, artistic beauty of her latest designs; she begins explaining to me the ideas and inspirations behind the so perfectly entitled ‘Neurosis’ collection and the path that led her there.

How did you get into fashion design? Can you tell me a bit about your background?

I originally started out studying fine art in which I did a bachelors degree in Fine Arts at the Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia. However, I had always been interested in fashion design since I was a child and so I continued my studies and did a Masters at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication. It all took off from there really!

Can you tell me about what you will be showing at Fashion Week?

I will be showing ten looks from my Neurosis collection, which are based around the idea of dreams and the surreal world. This collection really explores the notion of the ‘science of the dream’ looking at the way in which the human brain and its sensory system work from a very surrealistic perspective.  It also focuses on the idea of plants and consists of almost surreal plant shapes.

Where did you find inspiration for your collection?

With this collection being based around the idea of dreams, I found myself greatly inspired by Salvador Dali with this key notion of surrealism. I was also very inspired by Tim Burton characters so I spent a lot of time looking through these ideas.  Alongside this idea of surrealism and dreams, this collection was also greatly inspired by plants and the use of plant like shapes.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is ultimately an attitude. It is a way to express yourself and show your identity. It is about the every day and can be seen in every culture and social class. I really think fashion is not just about style, but is an attitude.

What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?

I think making it to the final for ‘Not Just a Label’ at the Ringstrassen Galleria Award in Vienna was a great achievement for me.  Also, having my work selected for the Bali Fashion Week in Bali. I have also had several internships since graduating which have been amazing.

What goals do you have for your future as a designer?

I think my main goal would be to set up a buzz in London. I would very much like to have an established label with people buying my collections. I would also like to be able to bring my label back to Indonesia, which is where I’m originally from.

Is there someone in particular you would love to see your designs on?

I would have to say Lady Gaga. She really has been my muse this past year....although isn’t she everybodies? I think she is incredibly inspirational!

What are you most looking forward to about the Fashion Mavericks event?

I am most looking forward to the publicity and exposure that this event will bring which I really hope will help towards the next step in my career. I’m also very much looking forward to seeing peoples reaction to my designs, especially considering I never had the opportunity to show my graduation collection. This was due to being the first year to do my course at my University, so we were almost the ‘guinea pig’ year and only got to do a presentation at the end of our studies. Therefore, I am very excited to present my collection at the event.

Apart from fashion design, what else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I absolutely love cooking in my spare time, especially Indonesian food!

Charming, creative and full of artistic flare; it is apparent that Rinda Salmun’s ‘Neurosis’ collection will be absolutely enchanting experience.

Meet Hardcastle

Who is Lousie?


Louise Hardcastle is the owner and creator of Hardcastle.
Has worked as a designer for 10 years.
Apart from fashion design, her expertise covers Graphic Design, Art Direction (photoshoots), and Illustration.
Louise studied Fashion and Textiles in Australia.
Moved to London to pursue opportunities within the Fashion Industry.
Classes herself as a self taught  “Garment designer”  with training and industry experience
in Graphics, Marketing, Art Direction and Advertising.
As the owner of Hardcastle she is extremely confident in her skills as designer and creator.
Believes her most important qualities are her strong creative vision, dedication, unperturbed
attitude and undeniable passion.
Creeping towards her 30’s her hunger to make this lifelong dream a reality has pushed its way to the top of her priority list.


SS 2011 Collection 

The inspiration for her debut SS 2011 Collection came from the Quechuan Women, who are a part
of a rural community residing in Central Andes, Peru, South Africa.

Quechua people, partiocularly the women, identify themselves with their distinctive clothing, wearing
fantastically bold and clashing wrap-around dresses. skirts and blouses; and brightly coloured shawls,
an intoxicating mix of deep orange, blood red and electric pink.

The Quenchuan Women also sport a bowler-style hat which are said, by some, to have been
adopted by the Quechua after a British hatter dumped a load in the nineteenth century. Others
claim that they are a copy of the hats worn by the Spanish invaders, but it is this clashing style of
maculine and feminine that is so appelaing to the designer.

The Quechua indigenous women also take part in the Tinku Festival in Macha, Bolivia. Tinku is an
ancestral ritual that consists of rival villages engaging in hand-to-hand combat. The ritual supposedly
ensures richer, more prosperous crops in the coming year. These women actually slug it out with
one another as the ritual supposedly ensures richer, more prosperous crops in the coming year. It is
this fiercness that inspires Louise.

See her show on Saturday 18th September at 17:30